Three episodes into the new season, it’s finally official: the reign of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen begins! In any standard fairytale, this would be the conclusion, ending with the famous phrase “… And they all lived happily ever after.” Only this is not this fairytale.
This episode explores Rhaenyra’s first days as queen in King’s Landing, shifting gears to create unforeseen conflicts and high-stake tension. It left fans in suspense and wondering: How long may she reign?
On Sunday, July 5, the third episode, “Rhaenyra Triumphant” premiered. However, instead of the opening credits rolling right away, the scene shifts to the battlefield to show the Hightower army led by Lord Ormund Hightower, played by James Norton. He approaches Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) accompanied by Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew) upon their dragons. Relyed with news of the Fall of King’s Landing and Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) death, Ormund is offered clemency by Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy). Ormund complies, but before he can leave, Daemon demands Ormund to surrender Prince Daeron Targaryen as hostage to secure Rhaenyra’s claim against any future threats.
By first impressions, this scene appears to set the stage for another showdown between the Blacks and the Greens. Ultimately leading to an easy surrender after a demonstration of power by Daemon. But with a closer look, it proves this story is far more layered than the audience initially realized. The battle is won, Rhaenyra has taken the throne, the Blacks’ victory seems absolute. Daemon’s coy and unguarded attitude in this scene shows it. The seized crown has expectations of how things will go. The Blacks’ decisions in this scene to put all the cards on the table may have traded vital caution for immediate intimidation against the Hightowers. This is something the Hightowers could have been expecting.
Back in King’s Landing, Rhaenyra is met with the pressures and duties of being a ruler. Every room she walks in, Rhaenyra comes face to face with a new challenge: leadership. And not just with her subjects, but within her own council, especially Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) who seeks to legitimize his two sons. This is an issue which may threaten their unity.
Before long, Rhaenyra encounters Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) again. After requesting her father’s remains be sent to Oldtown, Rhaenyra shares her struggles in adjusting to her ascension, looking for her advice. Alicent speaks frankly, saying the road to being a ruler is not easy. From experience, she’ll have to make hard choices and become someone else to strengthen her rule.
This scene serves as a reality check to the heavy burden which now falls on Rhaenyra in this episode. According to showrunner Ryan Condal, her story is based on how people perceive her, particularly as a woman and now a queen. Condal understands this complexity and knows fans want “to see her go through these multiple different phases as she figures out who she ultimately wants to be as a sovereign.”
Rhaenyra sees Alicent as the only one closest to understanding the pressures that fall on someone after obtaining leadership. Even in an interview, D’Arcy shared that Rhaenyra “still perceives Alicent as her sort of judge and jury no matter how polarized their relationship becomes.” Alicent explains Rhaenyra’s authentic self is not enough to command subjects and rule a kingdom as a woman. This piece of knowledge might just give Rhaenyra the push she needs to prove herself or embrace a different part of herself.
As subjects make their petitions and council members aid in governing, one can’t help but feel the inescapable tests that gravitate toward Rhaenyra in this episode. When she’s one step close to finding her footing, something happens that throws her off balance. All eyes turn to her as the episode progresses, leaving a sense of dread in the air. This war is far from over.
New episodes of “House of the Dragon” air Sunday at 9 p.m. EDT on HBO and are available to stream on HBO Max.
Featured image by Warner Bros. Discovery CC BY-SA 4.0
